Pediatric Pulmonology: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Pediatrics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2025 | Viewed by 6543

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Unit, KAT General Hospital, 14561 Athens, Greece
2. Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Penteli's Children Hospital, 15236 Athens, Greece
Interests: pediatric lung diseases; pediatric allergy diseases; immunology; pathophysiology; microbiome

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pediatric pulmonology research has made significant strides in recent years, providing new insights into this field. This Special Issue aims to highlight the recent developments and emerging trends in pediatric pulmonology, focusing on advancements in disease definitions and classification, identification of new biomarkers, effective lung function tests, and advancements in respiratory endoscopy.

Notably, adult pulmonary diseases seem to have their origin in early life events, enhancing the need for early prevention and therapy. Understanding the impact of early-life factors on the development of pulmonary diseases is crucial for improving long-term outcomes.

The objective of the articles on this topic is to highlight recent knowledge and research in pediatric pulmonology. We invite researchers and experts in this field to contribute their valuable insights and findings to this Special Issue to advance our understanding and improve the management of pediatric pulmonary diseases. However, please note that this Special Issue will not consider mini-reviews or case reports.

We sincerely look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Athina L. Papadopoulou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • definition of breath sounds
  • lung–gut axis pathophysiology
  • disease endotypes and phenotypes
  • asthma management in children
  • bronchiolitis spectrum
  • pediatric bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • pulmonary function testing in pediatric patients
  • pediatric sleep-disordered breathing
  • neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
  • childhood interstitial lung diseases
  • pulmonary hypertension in children
  • biomarkers in pediatric lung diseases
  • allergy and the lungs
  • diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in bronchoscopy
  • gene therapy in cystic fibrosis

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 2776 KiB  
Article
Diagnostic Role of Immunofluorescence Analysis in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia-Suspected Individuals
by Elif Karakoç, Rim Hjeij, Zeynep Bengisu Kaya, Nagehan Emiralioğlu, Dilber Ademhan Tural, Pergin Atilla, Uğur Özçelik and Heymut Omran
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061941 - 13 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) (OMIM: 244400) is a hereditary, rare disorder with a high prevalence in Turkey due to a high rate of consanguinity. The disorder is caused by malfunctioning motile cilia and is characterized by a variety of clinical symptoms [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) (OMIM: 244400) is a hereditary, rare disorder with a high prevalence in Turkey due to a high rate of consanguinity. The disorder is caused by malfunctioning motile cilia and is characterized by a variety of clinical symptoms including sinusitis, otitis media and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study presents the first assessment of the efficacy of immunofluorescence (IF) labeling for diagnosing PCD in Turkey by correlating IF with clinical observations when genetic data are scarce. Methods: We have a cohort of 54 PCD-suspected individuals with an age range of 5–27 years classified into two groups: group A with available genomic data (8 individuals) and group B with no available genomic data (46 individuals). We performed immunofluorescence analysis to confirm the pathogenicity of the variants in individuals with a prior genetic diagnosis and to confirm a PCD diagnosis in individuals with typical PCD symptoms and no genetic diagnosis. Results: All individuals had airway infections and displayed clinical symptoms of PCD. Our data revealed an absence of outer dynein arm dynein heavy chain DNAH5 in individuals with pathogenic variants in DNAH5 and DNAAF1 and in 17 other PCD-suspected individuals, an absence of nexin–dynein regulatory complex component GAS8 in 8 PCD-suspected individuals, an absence of outer dynein arm dynein heavy chain DNAH11 in 6 PCD-suspected individuals and an absence of radial spoke head component RSPH9 in 2 PCD-suspected individuals. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of ARMC4 variants was confirmed by the absence of the outer dynein arm docking complex component ARMC4 and the proximal localization of DNAH5. Conclusions: Immunofluorescence analysis, owing to its lower cost and quicker turnaround time, proves to be a powerful tool for diagnosing PCD even in the absence of genetic data or electron microscopy results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Pulmonology: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends)
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11 pages, 1306 KiB  
Article
Short Course of Systemic Steroids for Acute Respiratory Diseases During Infancy and Final Adult Height, Weight, and BMI: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Cohort Study
by Athina Papadopoulou, Stavroula Lampidi, Konstantinos Makris and Efstathios Chronopoulos
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020387 - 9 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background: Systemic corticosteroids are frequently used to manage acute respiratory diseases in infancy, but concerns about the long-term impacts on growth remain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of short courses of systemic steroids administered exclusively during infancy on final adult height, [...] Read more.
Background: Systemic corticosteroids are frequently used to manage acute respiratory diseases in infancy, but concerns about the long-term impacts on growth remain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of short courses of systemic steroids administered exclusively during infancy on final adult height, weight, and BMI, adjusted by sex and cumulative steroid use. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted including 257 participants (49.4% males, 11.2 ± 3.5 years) of which two groups of cases were firstly analyzed: the control group (CG) and the group that received systemic steroids only during infancy (ssccINF). Final adult height, weight, and BMI were compared between the groups, adjusted also for breastfeeding history, food allergies, history of fractures, physical activity, and family smoking habits. Results: No significant differences in final adult height were observed between males in the CG and ssccINF group (179.32 vs. 179.40). In females, the ssccINF group was slightly shorter by 2.5 cm (165.51 vs. 162.98), although this difference was not linked to cumulative days of steroid use during infancy (mean = 3.91 ± 2.37, p = 0.37). A regression analysis revealed no significant influence of additional covariates on height, weight, or BMI outcomes. Conclusions: Short courses of systemic steroids administered exclusively during infancy did not appear to have a significant long-term impact on growth. The minor height difference observed in females was not associated with steroid use duration. These findings suggest that the benefits of short-term steroid therapy, such as reduced hospitalizations and improved management of acute respiratory diseases, outweigh potential risks, supporting its safe use in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Pulmonology: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends)
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Review

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18 pages, 457 KiB  
Review
Airway Colonization in Children with Medical Complexity: Challenges and Management Strategies
by Valentina Fainardi, Luisa Rizzo, Giulia Zambelli, Martina Berzieri, Erika Maugeri, Elena Giacalone, Roberta Carbone, Maria Carmela Pera and Susanna Esposito
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030848 - 27 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Over recent years, advances in medical care have significantly improved the survival of children with severe chronic conditions. These children, referred to as children with medical complexity (CMC), present unique and demanding healthcare challenges. Although definitions of CMC remain inconsistent, these patients are [...] Read more.
Over recent years, advances in medical care have significantly improved the survival of children with severe chronic conditions. These children, referred to as children with medical complexity (CMC), present unique and demanding healthcare challenges. Although definitions of CMC remain inconsistent, these patients are typically characterized by chronic, often severe conditions requiring daily specialized treatments and the use of various medical devices. CMC represent a substantial burden for healthcare systems due to their high medical costs, and place considerable strain on caregivers, who must provide continuous assistance. Airway colonization by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Haemophilus influenzae is common in CMC and contributes to recurrent respiratory infections, increased hospitalizations, and progressive lung damage. The management of airway colonization in this population is a topic of ongoing debate, often involving a combination of airway clearance techniques (ACT) and antibiotic therapies. Antibiotics may be administered systemically, nebulized, or in combination, depending on the clinical context and severity of the condition. This review highlights the complexities of managing airway colonization in CMC, emphasizing the need for tailored therapeutic approaches to mitigate respiratory complications and improve outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Pulmonology: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends)
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12 pages, 525 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Management of Bronchiectasis in Children and Adolescents: A Concise Narrative Review
by Paola Faverio, Giovanni Franco, Valentina Landoni, Marta Nadalin, Davide Negri, Alessandro Tagliabue, Federica Acone, Francesca Cattaneo, Filippo Cipolla, Chiara Vimercati, Stefano Aliberti, Andrea Biondi and Fabrizio Luppi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4757; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164757 - 13 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Introduction: Bronchiectasis, characterized by airway dilation, mucus hypersecretion, and recurrent exacerbations, is increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. Recent guidelines from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) emphasize early diagnosis and optimized management. This [...] Read more.
Introduction: Bronchiectasis, characterized by airway dilation, mucus hypersecretion, and recurrent exacerbations, is increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. Recent guidelines from the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) emphasize early diagnosis and optimized management. This review explores therapeutic strategies for pediatric bronchiectasis. Materials and methods: Our review involved a comprehensive search of English-language literature in the PubMed and EMBASE databases until December 2023, focusing on observational studies, interventions, reviews, and guidelines in pediatric bronchiectasis. Results: Management strategies encompass airway clearance techniques, mucoactive agents, pulmonary rehabilitation, bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids tailored to individual needs and age-appropriate techniques. Antibiotics play key roles in preventing exacerbations, eradicating pathogens, and managing acute exacerbations, which are guided by culture sensitivities and symptoms. Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis, particularly macrolides, aims to reduce exacerbations, although concerns about antibiotic resistance persist. Vaccinations, including pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, are crucial for preventing infections and complications. Surgery and lung transplantation are reserved to severe, refractory cases after failure of medical therapies. Conclusions: The optimal management of pediatric bronchiectasis requires a multidisciplinary approach, including physiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and vaccinations, tailored to individual needs and guided by evidence-based guidelines. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for affected children and adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pediatric Pulmonology: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends)
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